Rattles, popping, squeaking

I just purchased a brand new HL Limited and have found about 5 different rattles and noises coming from both front corners by doors, from the front of the dash and from the plastic on the back door. I thought this was a Toyota? I have confirmed with a friend the outside mirrors are causing problems in very cold weather but have not resolved it yet. I have not been able to determine yet what the super LOUD popping noise is from right side of dash when very cold and a new ticking noise from front right of dash. All this in 500 miles. Worst new car I have ever had for noises, its kinda like a joke. I will find them without the dealer as they are usually no help and post my resolutions here to help everyone else with all their noises. Could take a while...

Reply 1 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

Yep, I have a new HL with 800 miles and my mirror is also causing rattles in cold weather--like today all the way home. If you close the door while pushing in on the mirror the rattle goes away. I to am very disapppointed with this car. I smell a recall if this keeps up.

Reply 2 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

A previous post stated that the dealer just re-tightened the screws that hold the mirror on the door and the rattle went away.



Might give it a try

Reply 3 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

Too many issues. Squeeks, rattles, vision problems with the front pillars and mirrors, speckles in the windshield. So I traded for a 2008 Benz Ml 350. Could not be happier, what a car. It's flawless, but you get what you pay for. I hope your Highlander works out for you, mine did not meet my expectations.

Reply 4 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

As I said in another thread, I tried to trade my '08 HL in due to several issues, but it lost so much value in the 5 or so months that I have owned it that it was simply not worth it. Toyota essentially told me that so few people are buying these cars that they would have real trouble selling mine as a trade in. That is bizzare, as this is a current model year Limited vehicle in mint condition with less than 4000 km on it. I am happy enough to keep it for now - if I blast the radio I cannot hear the symphony of rattles and drones, but I honestly expected much more from Toyota. I have been loyal to Toyota for 25 + years, but this will definitely be my last.

Reply 5 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

Money was not an issue, I took a minor hit but well worth it.

Reply 6 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

I guess money really was not an issue considering that an ML 350 with Leather MSRP's at roughly 48k! Clearly a different category of vehicle, which is not to say it is OK for the HL to have all the problems you describe. I am curious as to why you chose HL in the first place. Did you consider the MB before buying the HL?

Reply 7 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

I have to say that as a relatively satisfied owner of an 08 HL Sport I am surprised by the posters here who have traded their HL's or claim they will.



I have personally owned new cars fro Honda, VW and Subaru and Toyota. Ironically, every single car I have owned, with the exception of Toyota did have initial problems. Honda could never figure out how to keep my Drivers side window on it's tracks, it would get stuck in the down position. Not fun in the rain!



VW had so many problems I can't even remember them all, but they were way more significant than a rattle.



Forget about Subaru - never would buy again.



I have a 2002 RAV 4 which has (knock on wood) never been in the shop for more than an oil change. I am looking forward to the same in our 08 HL.



I have a rattle in my dash which should not exist in any car, albeit a 37k car.

I will have it addressed at next service. If service cannot address the issue, I will escalate it to management. It's amazing what happens when you go to management.



Anyway - I guess my point is this: All manufacturers, yes even MB have issues. I will take a rattle any day over more serious electrical/powertrain issues.



Take a look at other forums on CarSpace and see what issues owners of other makes have. It may surprise you.



On a side note: I work for a company that sells electronic equipment that costs upward of a million dollars. Even at those prices stuff still breaks or shows up with a scratch or even a rattle.

Reply 8 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

I am in Canada and considering I paid close to $54,000 for my HL + tax = $63,000 and I stood to lose $12,000+, money became an issue with me. I was more than willing to take a minor hit, but a 12G loss on a 5 month old car isn't minor in my books.

Reply 9 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

I'll pick myself up of the floor now. I really had no idea. Honestly, at the price you paid I would accept nothing short of perfection.

Reply 10 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

Yeah, just for kicks go to the Toyota Canada website (Toyota.ca) and confugure a vehicle to see how much cars cost up in the Great White North. Check out the prices of the extended warranties too - incredible. Keep in mind that most Toyota dealers in Western Canada do not discount at all. Not one penny, and there are no add ins. No free mats or acessories, no protection package discount, nada. The price you pay is full MSRP + taxes. Not good.

Reply 11 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

yikes - had no idea. I completely understand. I thought the New York Metro area was bad!



My dealer had soda and popcorn

Reply 12 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

To answer your question, I had a 2002 HL and loved it so I thought the 2008 HL was a no brainer. I originally went trade the HL on a Lexus [ I have a 2007 Lexus LS460 ] but I didn't really like the RX, too girly and I didn't want anything much bigger. While talking to the Lexus salesman I found out he previously worked for MB. This guy raved about the ML 350 to the point where I was wondering why he was working for Lexus. So I went to MB and after driving the ML for about 30 seconds I knew I was getting it.

The HL I traded only had 1000 miles on it and the demand for the Limited here in SoCal is very high so the timing was good. I was a General Sales Manager so I know how to work deals. I got a good deal on the HL originally and a very good deal on the Benz. As near as I can figure I lost about $ 2,500 , the best $ 2,500 I've ever lost.

Reply 13 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

IN cold the plastic on back door is squeaking/creaking. I found the pieces rubbing together under both sides where the gas struts attach to the door. Now I just have to pull it apart and isolate plastic pieces with felt, etc. Every day a new rattle with this truck... Now I need to find the loud cracking popping noise from passenger dash in cold over bumps and the constant ticking from driver dash by window. Any help appreciated.

Reply 14 : Rattles, popping, squeaking

we've got the same rattle in our 08 Sport. we only heard it once, but it drove my wife nuts for the entire 2 hr ride we were on. oh well, it's new and for me the benefits outweight the rattle. i had an 02 Acura TL-S, had so many problems with that car I'm in heaven even with a rattle....